SHILLONG, May 16: The JSU, Jowai circle, has criticised the Tourism department for allowing the Summer Jam music festival to be held near the Civil Hospital in Ialong, West Jaiñtia Hills district.
Calling the decision irresponsible and dangerous to public health, the JSU said such events should not be permitted near healthcare facilities, where silence and emergency access are critical.
“We condemn the Tourism Department for collaborating to host such an event without considering its impact on public health,” the JSU said in a statement issued on Friday.
The Union cited violations of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and raised alarm over the safety of patients and access to emergency medical services during the festival. “Hosting a large-scale festival with loud music near a hospital not only disrupts patient recovery but also creates major traffic congestion, which could delay emergency medical services,” it said.
Meanwhile, members of the JSU called on the West Jaiñtia Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner only to find that the latter was unaware of the event and had no information about the required permissions.
“This raises serious concerns about how such a large gathering was approved without official knowledge or proper oversight,” the JSU stated.
Calling for immediate action, the JSU urged the local headman, district administration, Meghalaya Pollution Control Board and other authorities to relocate the event. “Events of this scale must be held at appropriate venues where they do not violate silent zone regulations, disrupt hospital operations or endanger patient well-being,” it added.
